Balloons launch Nursing Home Week

Colorful balloons filled the sky above Windsor Estates Care Facility in Camdenton on Monday afternoon. In conjunction with National Nursing Home week, Windsor Estates staff wanted to do something special for the residents and community.

Colorful balloons filled the sky above Windsor Estates Care Facility in Camdenton on Monday afternoon. In conjunction with National Nursing Home week, Windsor Estates staff wanted to do something special for the residents and community.

"We try to celebrate our residents and the staff that helps take care of them, so it's for everybody," Teresa Knight, Administrator, said.

Newly elected Mayor of Camdenton, John McNabb, read a proclamation declaring this week Nursing Home week in Camdenton and announced the time to release the balloons. Residents and staff let go of balloons which quickly filled the air. Each balloon held a note that read, "This is a hug from Camdenton Windsor Estates Care Facility. If you find this, give us a hug back. Drop us a note at 2042 N Business Highway 5 Camdenton, Mo. 65020."

"It's our message in a balloon," Knight said. "We have a really good staff here that takes care of our residents and we have a lot of residents that are high functioning that we do a lot of daily activities with. We have a lot of families that are involved with this. It's like one big family."

Along with Mayor McNabb, two county commissioners were in attendance.

"I think it is fantastic that we take the time to acknowledge and recognize that the residents are here, need to be thought about and remembered," Commissioner Bev Thomas said.

Commissioner Cliff Luber also attended the festivities. He said he appreciated being invited and often thought about how important the residents are to today's society.

"It's gratifying seeing they get such good care," Luber said.

Windsor Estates is planning more activities for the rest of the week. Tuesday, the facility will host a luau. Wednesday, residents will wear 'crazy hats' and pick their favorites to win a prize. Residents will enjoy an ice-cream social on Thursday and will end the week with a BBQ on Friday.